Iraq Resumes Rice Cultivation in Diyala After Drought

BAGHDAD, Iraq — BAGHDAD — Iraq will resume rice cultivation in Diyala province, according to the Ministry of Water Resources announcement on Monday. Minister Muthenna al-Tamimi said Diyala has been reinstated in the country's summer agricultural plan following a prolonged drought that disrupted farming in southern Iraqi provinces. The operation was initiated after the Nile grass plant blocked irrigation canals, obstructing water flow to agricultural lands. Cleaning work has already begun in the Dagarah area and authorities said the operations will expand to additional regions in the coming weeks. Al-Tamimi credited Prime Minister Fadel al-Zarari's support for the agriculture sector with increasing water storage capacity, which enabled the ministry to include Diyala in the summer planting program. The minister said water quotas for farmers in the region will be guaranteed under the reinstated plan. Diyala and Najaf provinces are among the regions approved for rice production this season. The ministry said field teams have been deployed to oversee equitable water distribution and ensure regular supply to farmland. Further details on the scope of the cultivation program were not immediately available.